Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attended the Sandhya Arghya ceremony of Chhath Puja on the banks of the Gomti River in Lucknow, delivering a comprehensive address on the state's cultural resurgence and improved law and order. Speaking to a large gathering of devotees, the Chief Minister mounted a strong counterattack against controversial comments made by Samajwadi Party MP SP Singh Patel from Pratapgarh regarding major Hindu festivals. Yogi Adityanath asserted that political leaders who find hypocrisy or discrimination in deep-rooted traditional celebrations like Durga Puja, Kanwar Yatra, and Chhath Puja are themselves living lives steeped in hypocrisy.
Strong Rebuttal to Opposition Remarks on Sanatan Traditions
Highlighting recent political statements, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath condemned the remarks made by Pratapgarh SP MP SP Singh Patel, who had questioned the significance of Durga Puja, Kanwar Yatra, and Chhath Puja. The Chief Minister stated that such viewpoints reflect an inherent hostility towards Indian culture and social harmony. He emphasized that targeting age-old Sanatan traditions and insulting public faith has become a habitual habit for certain political figures. He remarked that those who label sacred rituals as ostentatious are unable to appreciate the spirit of unity and devotion that these festivals foster across communities.
Transformation of Uttar Pradesh: From Unrest to Grand Celebrations
Drawing a sharp contrast with the governance before 2017, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath outlined how the atmosphere across Uttar Pradesh has undergone a complete transformation. He noted that prior to 2017, festival seasons were often marred by administrative negligence and fear of civil unrest, with previous governments failing to ensure basic amenities like ghat cleanliness, security, proper lighting, or smooth transport. In contrast, the state is currently experiencing a series of peaceful and grand celebrations. He cited the mega Deepotsav event organized in Ayodhya on November 7, followed by the seamless celebration of Dhanteras, Chhoti Deepawali, Deepawali, Govardhan Puja, Bhai Dooj, and now the four-day Chhath festival.
Widespread District Preparations and Public Participation
Sharing details of administrative readiness, the Chief Minister recalled a state-wide video conference he conducted four days prior to review Chhath Puja arrangements. During the review, officials reported massive public participation across all districts. In Varanasi alone, an estimated 20 lakh devotees gathered at the ghats, while Gorakhpur recorded the participation of around 16 lakh people. Similar extensive arrangements were reported from districts including Ghazipur, Ballia, Azamgarh, Mau, Deoria, Kushinagar, Basti, Sant Kabir Nagar, Jaunpur, Chandauli, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddha Nagar. Millions of mothers, sisters, and families have actively joined the rituals across the state.
Enhanced Transport, Ghat Infrastructure, and Security Protocols
To facilitate smooth movement for millions of citizens traveling home for the festival, the state government directed the operation of additional state transport buses alongside special train services. Special attention was given to infrastructure at riverbanks, including thorough cleaning drives, the construction of additional temporary ghats, and the setup of ritual altars (vediyas). Addressing security concerns, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized that robust police patrolling has been deployed for the overnight rituals and early morning offerings to the rising sun (Usha Arghya). He reiterated a stern warning that any attempt to compromise the safety and dignity of women during the festivities would invite severe administrative action.
Cultural Renaissance and Balancing Legacy with Progress
Underlining the cultural significance of the event in Lucknow, the Chief Minister highlighted that the local Bhojpuri community organized an 18-hour continuous musical performance dedicated to Chhathi Maiya, featuring 200 artists. He pointed out that such uninterrupted cultural gatherings were unthinkable before 2017 when disruptions were common. He concluded by asserting that modern Uttar Pradesh embodies a synthesis of security, development, and cultural heritage. According to the Chief Minister, heritage encompasses not only what is inherited from ancestors but also the safe, vibrant environment handed down to future generations.
